The Support Your Local campaign has revealed a significant disparity between Ireland and France when it comes to tax on wine. The campaign, which is a joint initiative between members of the Irish drinks and hospitality industry, showed that excise tax on a 750ml standard bottle of wine in Ireland is €3.19, while excise on a standard bottle of wine in France is only €0.03.

Between December 2012 and October 2013, the Irish Government increased excise on wine by 62%, as an emergency measure. The Support Your Local campaign believes a reversal should now be applied, and is calling on the Government to reduce excise on alcohol by 15% in the next budget.

Evelyn Jones, owner of The Vintry Off Licence in Rathgar and Government Affairs Director of the National Off-Licence Association, said, “Retailers and suppliers have to raise and pay an extra €17,958 per 1,000 cases of wine in excise and Vat due to increases in Budget 2013 and 2014.

"A recent survey found that 55 per cent of Off Licences would struggle to remain open if the current level of excise is increased. We are calling on the Government to reverse excise on alcohol by 15% in the next Budget, to support small businesses."